The Life of Dennis Edward Smith
Dennis Edward Smith was born on November 4th, 1949, at Boaz-Albertville Hospital. His parents were William Joshua Smith (recorded in other records as Okey Smith) and Verna Beatrice Smith (maiden name Owens. She was known as Beatrice) He grew up in Aroney and Smith Institute in Etowah County, AL. In 1967, he met Judy Brakefield at a church revival where his father was the evangelist. They got married at Old Philadelphia on February 14th, 1969. He moved to Blount County after they got married. He lived by Austin Creek Church for 46 years where they raised their children, Daniel (Renee), Paula (Mark), and Rebecca (Jerry). Later he was blessed with 7 grandkids, Stephen (Kaila), Daniel Lee (Krystin), Brian, Michael, Tiffany, Shelby (Adam), JD (Angela) and 17 great-grandchildren. He also was blessed with a host of nephews and nieces.
As a boy, he was taught how to farm, build houses, hunt rabbits and squirrels, and kill chickens and hogs. He learned to drive when he was 10 years old. Afterwards, he was given a motorcycle from his parents, that he later wrecked. He bought his first car at age 15. He attended school off and on, as he was required to help with planting season for cotton and others. He finished schooling in 8th grade. As an adult, he learned spinning mill, block making, worked in chicken plants, and fabricated metal. He later took classes to learn to read blueprints. He was 3 weeks away from becoming a certified mechanic. He lost 3 fingers on his left hand from an accident in 1968 at a spinning mill in Boaz, AL.
As a child, he accepted Jesus as his savior. At nineteen, he attended a revival at Unity Church, where he announced his call to preach. He pastored at Jones Chapel Missionary Church on Straight Mountain from 1986-1995. He was a member at Corinth Missionary Baptist Church for around 25 years.
He was a very quiet man that enjoyed making gardens, playing guitar, playing a bit of banjo, and crocheting. He sang with his parents, brother (Randy Dale Smith) and sister (Betty Jean Naylor). After getting married, he sang with his wife and family. He liked Old Southern gospel. He would help anytime someone was in need.